Chased Heart (The Brats #1)

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Healed

Azriel never left my mind. From my lectures, driving routines, sleeping, and even in my recreations, he's in my mind. The night we talked made me feel a lot. Some are named, some aren't.

Part of me felt good because we had a chance to talk, but a bigger part of me felt so bad for leaving him alone in exchange for my betterment. I didn't know he was hurt that much. I had no idea he was so miserable.

Siguro kung ako rin ang iiwan n'ya ay masasaktan din ako, lalo na't kapag kailangan ko siya sa mga oras na 'yon.

"You have a big chance of winning this year's highlight event again, Gray," sabi ng mentor ko.

I combed my hair after I unzipped my suit down to my waist. It's so fucking hot being covered by these thick clothes. My team started checking on my car since I used the one I will be using for the event. Matagal pa naman pero mas maganda kapag mas maagang handa.

When I heard he won, I wanted to win, too.

"There will be popular guests for this year's event. You should win. We can have a chance to go to Monaco," he said.

Fred is the same age as my father. My mentor is the father of Luke, one of the reasons we became friends, aside from the fact that he's kind of cool. Fred is physically fit, but my Dad is way far more looking human than him. Fred is a bit hairy. He's British.

"Nah," I said because joining the Grand Prix in Monaco has never been part of my goal as a racer.

"C'mon, Gray! You're more than these mini-events! You can reach the peak, outrun those veteran racers with your gift of speed!"

He was frustrated while following my steps. Papunta ako sa building para mapuntahan ang mga gamit ko.

"I already told you from the start that racing is not really my thing, Fred. I do this for fun. I don't want to make this my career..."

"This is your career now. What are you saying?"

I chuckled seeing how frustrated he is. This is not the first time we talked like this. He always say he respects my decision but always nag about my decision, as well. Trying to change my mind every time he gets a chance.

"I find racing fun and relaxing, Fred. It brings me fulfillment. Joining these world cups and shits you always talk about---"

"You call them shits?!" Hindi makapaniwalang aniya.

"--- will just stress the shit out of me! I don't want media throughout my life. I hate interviews. I hate being in tv shows, guests in fucking events. No. I came here for peace, not to collect sources of frustrations..."

He groaned and sighed after.

"What else could I do? You are always a woman of words. I can never change your mind, can't I?"

I chuckled and shook my head.

"Whatever, Gray!" he said before going back with my team.

Fred is a loyal mentor and a manager. He understands me as his son does. They are kind and passionate about what they do. They are not rich, and as far as I know, they are full of debt receipts. Kaya rin hindi ko magawang mainis sa tuwing sumusubok siyang baguhin ang isip ko. He needs money. But whenever I offer, he always refuses. He doesn't want to use me, he said.

Paglabas ko ng racetrack, nakita ko sina Britney na hinihintay ako. They held a party for me. This week, I am going to fly back to Manila for Winter's wedding. After that, the plan is to go back right away to finish the process here.